Footwear lacing system

ABSTRACT

A lacing system for footwear includes a plurality of elastic strips each secured between a different one of a plurality of paired eyelets of the footwear. A pair of hooks is coupled to each of the plurality of strips at opposite ends of each strip. Each of the pair of hooks has a hook end. At least one of the pair of hooks is selectively attacheable along a length of the strip at an end of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force between the corresponding pair of eyelets.

PRIORITY CLAIM

Priority is claimed to copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/285,897, filed Dec. 11, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a lacing system for footwear.

2. Related Art

A shoe is typically provided with a lace that weaves back and forth across a slit, and that can be pulled tight and tied to secure the shoe to a user's foot. Other types of fasteners have been proposed, including Velcro® straps. Another lace has been proposed with lace locks. For example, see the Lock Laces™, or the OKLacers. Another lace has been proposed that includes an elastic cord laced through the shoe's eyelets and held by cord-locks with spring-loaded toggles. For example, see the Ibungee™, or the Yankz!®. Another lace has been proposed that includes an elastic lace with an array of knots that are pulled through the eyelets. For example, see the Xtenex®. In addition, individual strips between opposing eyelets have been proposed. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439; U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,811; U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,357; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,772,238. It has also been proposed to provide laces with decorative features, such as colors or patterns; or medallions threaded onto the lace. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a lacing system with selective tensioning between individual paired eyelets. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a lacing system with coordinated decorative features between adjacent laces or adjacent paired eyelets.

The invention provides a lacing system in combination with a shoe having a plurality of paired eyelets arrayed along opposing flaps flanking a slit in the shoe with each eyelet of a pair disposed in a different flap opposite the other eyelet in the pair. The lacing system comprises a plurality of elastic strips each secured between a different one of the plurality of paired eyelets of the shoe defining a corresponding strip and pair of eyelets associated with one another. Each elastic strip is stretchable to exert a spring force drawing a corresponding pair of eyelets together. A pair of hooks is coupled to each of the plurality of strips at opposite ends of each strip. Each of the pair of hooks is received in a different one of the corresponding pair of eyelets. Each of the pair of hooks has a hook end with: a downward portion extending generally downward and towards the shoe oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strip and being disposed in one of the corresponding eyelets, and a transverse portion extending perpendicularly to both the downward portion and the longitudinal axis of the strip and disposed on a side of one of the corresponding eyelets opposite the strip and inside the shoe. At least one of the pair of hooks is selectively attacheable along a length of the strip at an end of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force between the corresponding pair of eyelets.

In addition, the invention provides a lacing system with at least one elastic strap configured to be secured between opposing flaps of a shoe. The at least one strap is stretchable configured to exert a spring force drawing the flaps together. The at least one strap has a longitudinal length and a cross section with a width greater than a thickness, and has an underside. A hook is coupled to at least one end of the at least one strap. The hook is formed from an elongated rod having a hook end configured to engage a flap of the shoe and having: a downward portion extending essentially orthogonally with respect to the underside of the strap, and a transverse portion extending from the downward portion perpendicularly to both the downward portion and the longitudinal length of the strap. An attachment pad is disposed on the underside of the strap selectively securing the hook to the strap. An aperture is associated with the attachment pad through which the hook extends. At least a pair of posts is disposed on the attachment pad. The hook has an attachment end opposite the hook end and forms a right angle with one portion thereof disposed between the pair of posts and both portions thereof abutting one of the pair of posts.

In addition, the invention provides a lacing system with at least one elastic cord configured to be secured between opposing flaps of a shoe. The at least one cord is stretchable configured to exert a spring force drawing the flaps together. The at least one cord has a circular cross section and a longitudinal axis. A hook is coupled to at least one end of the cord. The hook is formed from an elongated rod having a hook end configured to engage a flap of the shoe and having: a downward portion extending essentially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cord, and a transverse portion extending from the downward portion perpendicularly to both the downward portion and the longitudinal axis of the cord. The hook has an attachment end opposite the hook end forming a pair of adjacent loops each of which receives the cord therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a bottom perspective view of a lacing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a bottom perspective view of the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a bottom view of the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 d is a side view of the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 e is a partial bottom view of the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 f is a partial side view of the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 a is a top view of footwear with the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 b is a top view of footwear with the lacing system of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 c is a top view of footwear with another lacing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a is a top perspective view of another lacing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is a bottom perspective view of the lacing system of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 c is a top view of the lacing system of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 d is a side view of the lacing system of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 is a top view of footwear with the lacing system of FIG. 3 a; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of footwear with another lacing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S) Definitions

The terms “shoe” and “footwear” are used interchangeably and broadly herein to refer to all types of shoes, footwear, sneakers, sandals, boots, etc. Referring to FIG. 2 a, such a shoe 10 can have an upper opening through which a user's foot is initially received and in which the user's ankle or foot resides while worn. A slit 14 can extend from the upper opening towards a toe of the shoe. A pair of flaps 18 is disposed on or flanks opposite sides of the slit. The slit allows the upper opening to expand to receive the user's foot. The flaps can be drawn together and secured to reduce the upper opening around the user's ankle of foot to retain the shoe on the user's foot. A lacing system can be used to draw and secure the pair of flaps. The shoe or the pair of flaps can be provided with connectors or parts of connectors, such as a plurality of paired eyelets 22 arrayed along the slit or pair of flaps, with each eyelet of a pair disposed on a different flap opposite the other. Other connectors or parts of connectors can include other types of fasteners or parts thereof, such as slots, hooks, snaps, hook-and-loop type fasteners, etc. The flaps or eyelets thereon can be substantially parallel. In another aspect, the flaps or eyelets can have an acute angle.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 a-2 b, a lacing system, indicated generally at 30, in an example implementation in accordance with the invention is shown on a shoe 10. The lacing system 30 can include at least one elastic strip 34. In another aspect, the lacing system can include a plurality of elastic strips. Each elastic strip 34 is secured between a different one of the plurality of paired eyelets 22 of the shoe, defining a corresponding strip and pair of eyelets associated with one another. Each of the elastic strips is stretchable to exert a spring or elastic force drawing a corresponding pair of eyelets together. The strips can be stretched between opposing eyelets, or between opposing flaps, to draw the eyelets or flaps together. Each of the strips can be or can include a strap 36 having a cross section with a width greater than a thickness. The strips or straps can have equal unstretched lengths that can correspond to parallel slit or parallel flaps. In another aspect, the strips or straps can have different unstretched lengths that can correspond to unparallel slits or unparallel flaps. The strips or straps are flexible to bend to the contours of the shoe or to twist during attachment or release, and are elastic and resilient to stretch.

At least one hook 38 is coupled to an end of the strip, defining a hook end. The hook is receivable in an eyelet to secure the strip or strap. One end of the strip can be attached in a permanent manner to one flap, while another the other end of the strip can include the hook removably receivable in an eyelet on the opposite flap. Thus, the lacing system 30 and strip(s) 34 can be provided as part of the shoe. In another aspect, a pair of hooks 38 is coupled to each of the plurality of strips 34 at opposite ends of each strip. The hooks 38 are received in a different one of the corresponding pair of eyelets. Thus, the lacing system 30 and strip(s) 34 can be provided with the shoe, or can be a replacement for a traditional lace provided with the shoe, such as a retrofit lacing system. The hooks have a hook end 42 with a downward portion 46 (FIGS. 1 b and 1 d) and a transverse portion 50. The downward portion 46 extends generally downward and towards the shoe, oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis 52 of the strip, and being disposed in one of the corresponding eyelets. The longitudinal axis 52 of the strip or strap can be linear as show, or can be arcuate as the strip or strap bends on the shoe. The transverse portion 50 extends perpendicularly to both the downward portion 46 and the longitudinal axis 52 of the strip, and is disposed on a side of one of the corresponding eyelets opposite the strip and inside the shoe. The hooks 38 can be formed of an elongated metal rod bend into the desired shape.

One or more of the hooks 38 on the strip or strap are selectively attacheable along a length of the strip at an end of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force between the corresponding pair of eyelets. Moving the hook(s) 38 inward or decreasing the distance between the hooks 38 shortens the effective length of the strip or strap between the eyelets, and thus increases the spring or elastic force. Thus, the user or wearer can selectively tighten or loosen the lacing system.

Referring to FIG. 1 e, the at least one hook can be secured and selectively attached to the strap by an attachment pad. At least one attachment pad 54 can be disposed on an underside of the strap 36 on the hook end corresponding to the at least one hook 38. In another aspect, attachment pads 54 can be disposed at both ends of the strap. The attachment pads can be formed of plastic adhered and/or sewn to the strap. The attachment pad includes an aperture 58 through which the hook 38 passes. In addition, the attachment pad includes at least a pair of posts, such as 62 a and 62 b, or 62 a and 62 c. The hook 38 has an attachment end 66 opposite the hook end 42 that extends through the aperture and forms a right angle 70 a with one portion 74 a thereof disposed between the pair of posts 62 a and 62 b and both portions 74 a and 74 b thereof abutting each of the pair of posts. In another aspect, the attachment end 66 can have a right angle 70 b with one portion 74 b disposed between the pair of posts 62 a and 62 c and both portions 74 b and 74 c abutting each of the pair of posts. As shown in FIG. 1 e, the attachment pad 54 and the at least a pair of posts can include a 2×n matrix of posts. Thus, the matrix has at least two lengthwise rows of posts with a groove 78 therebetween that receives a portion of the attachment end 66 of the hook. The number n of posts in each row along the longitudinal axis 52 of the strap can be greater than 2. In addition, the attachment end 66 of the hook 38 can include a crook 82 extending around a majority of one of the posts.

A method for selectively tensioning the strap 36 of the lacing system 30 includes pivoting the hook 38 in the aperture 58 of the attachment pad 54, and displacing the attachment end 66 of the hook away from the posts. The hook 38 can then be displaced longitudinally with respect to the strap to a desired location or desired tension. When in the desired location, the hook 38 can be pivoted in the aperture of the attachment pad, and the attachment end of the hook can be displaced towards different posts. Thus, each pair of eyelets can be selectively tensioned as desired or preferred by the user or wearer.

As shown in FIG. 1 f, the posts have enlarged heads 86 that displace away from one another as the attachment end 66 of the hook 38 passes therebetween; and which come together with the attachment end of the hook between the at least two posts. The posts can also have narrower necks 90 forming an enlarged space for receiving the attachment end of the hook, while the enlarged heads form a narrower entrance to the enlarge space to help retain the attachment end of the hook between the posts.

The attachment pad 54 can be spaced from an end of the strap 36, and the hook end 42 of the hook 38 can be disposed under the underneath side of the strap 36, as shown on the left side of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. Thus, the strap 36 covers the hooks 38 and the hook end 42, as shown in FIG. 2 b. Having the strap 36 extend over the hook 38 can help retain the hook in the eyelet. In another aspect, the attachment pad 54 can be disposed at the end of the strap 36, and the hook end 42 of the hook 38 can extend beyond end of the strap, as shown on the right side of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. Thus, the hook ends 42 extend from the straps and are exposed along with the eyelets, as shown in FIG. 2 a.

As discussed above, the opposite flaps or opposite eyelets can be substantially parallel with one another. Thus, the ends of straps can be perpendicular to the length or longitudinal axis 52. In another aspect, the opposite flaps or opposite eyelets can form an acute angle with respect to one another. Referring to FIG. 2 c, the ends of the straps 36 b can have angled lateral edges 94 a and 94 b forming a non-parallel angle with respect to one another and tapering inward and downward. The adjacent edges of adjacent strips can essentially aligned with one another with the plurality of strips together forming a truncated V-shape.

In addition, the plurality of elastic strips or straps can have a width sized so that adjacent strips span a gap between the adjacent strips and abut to one another. Thus, the straps provide a broader, more continuous surface area. The straps can include graphics or indicia that correspond to adjacent straps. For example, a graphic can span adjacent straps, as shown in FIG. 2 a. As another example, a graphic or decorative element on one strap can correspond to a graphic or decorative element on an adjacent strap, such as letter that together spell a word or acronym, such as in FIG. 2 b. The graphic or decorative elements may be fixed to the straps, such as by printing, weaving, pinning, looping, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 3 a-4, another lacing system 130 is shown in an example implementation in accordance with the invention. The lacing system 130 can include at least one or more elastic strips 34, as described above. The strips can be or can include a cord 136 having a circular cross section. The cord(s) can have one or two hooks with hook ends 42, as described above. In addition, the hook(s) has an attachment end 166 opposite the hook end 42 forming a pair of adjacent loops 168 a and 168 b, each of which receives the cord therein. The attachment end of the hook can be formed into a series of arcs 170 a, 170 b and 170 c, each traversing the longitudinal axis 52 of the cord in a planar layer (FIG. 3 d). An intermediate arc 170 b can be oriented concave with respect to the end of the cord. The hook(s) 138 can be selectively attacheable along a length of the cord 136 by drawing the cord through the pair of loops. The hook end 42 can extend under the cord 136, the attachment end 166, and/or the loops as shown on the left side of FIGS. 3 a-3 d, which can help hold the hook in the eyelet.

A method for lacing the shoe 10 with the lacing system 30 or 130 described above includes removing any existing shoe lace from the plurality of paired eyelets 22 of the shoe. One hook end 42 of one of the pair of hooks 38 or 138 coupled to one of the plurality of strips 34 is inserted into an eyelet of the plurality of paired eyelets. The other of the pair of hooks is selectively attached along the length of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force exerted when stretched between the corresponding pair of eyelets. The other hook end of the one of the pair of hooks coupled to the one of the plurality of strips is inserted into an opposite corresponding eyelet. These steps are repeated for more of the plurality of strips with different ones of the plurality of paired eyelets. This method can apply to retrofitting an existing shoe with the lacing systems described above. It will be appreciated that shoes can be provided with the lacing system described above, either with a pair of hooks, or one end of the strips secured to the shoe and an opposite single hook.

The hook ends 42 of the hooks 38 or 138 can face in opposite directions as shown to resist inadvertence removal.

Referring to FIG. 5, another lacing system 230 is shown in an example implementation in accordance with the invention. The lacing system 230 can include a single elastic strip 34, as described above. The single strip 34 can be a single wide strap with a plurality of hooks 38 on each side. The wide can essentially extend the length of the slit 14. The hooks 38 can be selectively attacheable along the longitudinal length of the strap. In addition, the strap can have angled or inclined sides to form a truncated V-shape. The lacing system can also include attachment pad(s) as described above.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below. 

1. A lacing system configured for use with a shoe, the system comprising: a) at least one elastic strap configured to be secured between opposing flaps of the shoe, the at least one strap being stretchable configured to exert a spring force drawing the flaps together, the at least one strap having a longitudinal length and a cross section with a width greater than a thickness, and having an underside; b) a hook coupled to at least one end of the at least one strap; c) the hook formed from an elongated rod having a hook end configured to engage a flap of the shoe and having: a downward portion extending essentially orthogonally with respect to the underside of the strap, and a transverse portion extending from the downward portion perpendicularly to both the downward portion and the longitudinal length of the strap; d) an attachment pad disposed on the underside of the strap selectively securing the hook to the strap; e) an aperture associated with the attachment pad through which the hook extends; f) at least a pair of posts disposed on the attachment pad; and g) the hook having an attachment end opposite the hook end and forming a right angle with one portion thereof disposed between the pair of posts and both portions thereof abutting one of the pair of posts.
 2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the attachment pad with the at least a pair of posts further includes a 2×n matrix of posts where n is the number of posts along the longitudinal length of the strap and is greater than or equal to one; and wherein the attachment pad with the at least two posts further includes a longitudinal groove between two lengthwise rows of posts and aligned with the aperture and with a portion of the attachment end of the hook disposed therein.
 3. A system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the attachment end of the hook includes a crook extending around a majority of one of the posts.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the matrix of posts have enlarged heads that displace away from one another as the attachment end of the hook passes therebetween, and which come together with the attachment end of the hook between the posts.
 5. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the attachment pad is spaced from an end of the strap and the hook end of the hook is disposed under the underneath side of the strap.
 6. A method for selectively tensioning the strap of the lacing system in accordance with claim 1, comprising: a) pivoting the hook in the aperture of the attachment pad and diplacing the attachment end of the hook away from the posts; b) displacing the hook longitudinally with respect to the strap; and c) pivoting the hook in the aperture of the attachment and displacing the attachment end of the hook towards different posts.
 7. A system in accordance with claim 1, in combination with a shoe having opposing flaps flanking a slit in the shoe with at least one of the flaps having at least one eyelet disposed on the flap adjacent the slit.
 8. A lacing system configured for use with a shoe, the system comprising: a) at least one elastic cord configured to be secured between opposing flaps of the shoe, the at least one cord being stretchable configured to exert a spring force drawing the flaps together, the at least one cord having a circular cross section and a longitudinal axis; b) a hook coupled to at least one end of the cord; c) the hook formed from an elongated rod having a hook end configured to engage a flap of the shoe and having: a downward portion extending essentially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cord, and a transverse portion extending from the downward portion perpendicularly to both the downward portion and the longitudinal axis of the cord; d) the hook having an attachment end opposite the hook end forming a pair of adjacent loops each of which receives the cord therein.
 9. A system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the attachment end of the hook is formed into a series of arcs each traversing the longitudinal axis of the cord in a planar layer.
 10. A lacing system in combination with a shoe having a plurality of paired eyelets arrayed along opposing flaps flanking a slit in the shoe with each eyelet of a pair disposed in a different flap opposite the other eyelet in the pair, the system comprising: a) a plurality of elastic strips each secured between a different one of the plurality of paired eyelets of the shoe defining a corresponding strip and pair of eyelets associated with one another, each elastic strip being stretchable to exert a spring force drawing a corresponding pair of eyelets together; b) a pair of hooks coupled to each of the plurality of strips at opposite ends of each strip, each of the pair of hooks received in a different one of the corresponding pair of eyelets; c) each of the pair of hooks having a hook end with: a downward portion extending generally downward and towards the shoe oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strip and being disposed in one of the corresponding eyelets, and a transverse portion extending perpendicularly to both the downward portion and the longitudinal axis of the strip and disposed on a side of one of the corresponding eyelets opposite the strip and inside the shoe; and d) at least one of the pair of hooks being selectively attacheable along a length of the strip at an end of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force between the corresponding pair of eyelets.
 11. A system in accordance with claim 10, further comprising: each of the plurality elastic strips having a different unstretched length.
 12. A system in accordance with claim 11, further comprising: each of the plurality of elastic strips having angled lateral edges forming a non-parallel angle with respect to one another and tapering inward and downward; and adjacent edges of adjacent strips being essentially aligned with one another with the plurality of strips together forming a truncated V-shape.
 13. A system in accordance with claim 12, further comprising: each of the plurality of elastic strips having a width sized so that adjacent strips span a gap between the adjacent strips and abut to one another.
 14. A system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the plurality of strips includes a strap having a cross section with a width greater than a thickness, and having an underside; and further comprising: an attachment pad disposed on the underside of the strap at the hook end, the attachment pad including an aperture and at least a pair of posts, the hook having an attachment end opposite the hook end extending through the aperture and forming a right angle with one portion thereof disposed between the pair of posts and both portions thereof abutting each of the pair of posts.
 15. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the attachment pad with at least a pair of posts further includes a 2×n matrix of posts where n is the number of posts along a longitudinal axis of the strap and is greater than 2; and wherein the attachment end of the hook extends in a groove between two lengthwise rows of posts and has a crook extending around a majority of one of the posts.
 16. A method for selectively tensioning the strap of the lacing system in accordance with claim 15, comprising: a) pivoting the hook in the aperture of the attachment pad and displacing the attachment end of the hook away from the posts; b) displacing the hook longitudinally with respect to the strap; and c) pivoting the hook in the aperture of the attachment pad and displacing the attachment end of the hook towards different posts.
 17. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the at least two posts have enlarged heads that displace away from one another as the attachment end of the hook passes therebetween, and which come together with the attachment end of the hook between the at least two posts.
 18. A system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the plurality of strips includes a cord having a circular cross section; and wherein the hook has an attachment end opposite the hook end forming a pair of adjacent loops each of which receives the cord therein.
 19. A system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the attachment end of the hook is formed into a series of arcs each traversing the longitudinal axis of the cord in a planar layer.
 20. A method for lacing the shoe with the lacing system in accordance with claim 10, comprising: a) removing any existing shoe lace from the plurality of paired eyelets of the shoe; b) inserting one hook end of one of the pair of hooks coupled to one of the plurality of strips into an eyelet of the plurality of paired eyelets; c) selectively attaching the other of the pair of hooks along the length of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force exerted when stretched between the corresponding pair of eyelets; d) inserting the other hook end of the one of the pair of hooks coupled to the one of the plurality of strips into an opposite corresponding eyelet; and e) repeating b through d for more of the plurality of strips with different ones of the plurality of paired eyelets. 